New Walmart opens near Grovetown

With the purchase of a bag of potato chips this morning, former Grovetown mayor Dennis Trudeau became the first customer of a new Walmart near the city.

I always try to be the first customer of any new business in Grovetown, said Mr. Trudeau, who retired last year after serving as mayor for 20 years. I want to show my support for all of our new businesses.

The Walmart anchors The Gateway shopping center on Horizon South Parkway at Interstate 20. Dozens of area residents patiently waited this morning for the doors of the supercenter to open following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.

Andrew Von Plinsky, a commercial salesman for Georgia Power, was among those patrons. He attended the ribbon cutting and then bought a bottle of water.

Walmart is a good customer and a good neighbor, said Mr. Von Plinsky, who lives about three miles away from the store. I wanted to be a part of the excitement of the opening this morning.

Walmart executives demonstrated their neighbor-friendly attitude on Tuesday evening. The company donated a total of $20,000 to the Salvation Army, United We Care, other non-profit groups and numerous area schools.

Theres been so much excitement about this, said store Manager Dale Wooten. Its great to be a part of it and a part of this community.

People here have really embraced us and our presence, and thats a good thing for both Walmart and the city.

The presence of a Walmart often attracts other businesses, Mr. Wooten said.

Already, Mr. Wooten expects a gas station, new restaurants and other small businesses to open inside The Gateway now that Walmart is serving customers.

They really do attract a lot of attention, Mr. Trudeau said. But to me, it says a lot about Grovetown and how quickly were growing that we caught Walmarts attention.

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WalMart is the premiere retail establishment. Where else can you get your oil changed, your hair and nails done, en eye exam, and coming soon dental and legal services. And did I mention, buy a T-bone steak, all in one stop. Good by, BI-LO!

Can't get your oil changed at this Walmart. I find it difficult to believe they chose not to have an automotive center at this store given its proximity to I-20. However, it is a very nice store and a definite plus for Grovetown.

Ok my question is does the city limits extend to I -20. If so they really do not need to raise the millage rate in the city of Grovetown causing our taxs to go up to pay for that new Dodge Charger with a hemi police car that Grovetown bought for all the high speed chases that the city of Grovetown has...Since Wal-Mart can cover all of that in tax's it will bring in

While I would not see a reason to be waiting on the store to open this morning, I can't find anything wrong with having this store there:) It brings jobs and convienence to those not wanting to drive over in the evans area.. Now to bring in the new eateries and smaller stores.
I am also amazed there is no tire/service center, they could make lots of cash being right there! That was a crazy decision imo.

LOL Boogaloo. I disagree about this being a hick paper, but you're right that a Walmart opening isn't a big news story. If it was, we would have been hearing about it before the opening, not after. It was just a slow news day I guess. I have friends and relatives out in Grovetown that might find it helpful to have Walmart nearby for last minute purchases if the service is better than you get in other CSRA locations. One of the families drives all the way to North Augusta Walmart to get better service.